Wurz: GPDA will suggest Formula 1 changes if powerbrokers listen

The F1 drivers' body last week released an open letter criticising F1's governance and the direction it is heading in, but Bernie Ecclestone suggested they should "think and come back on this" rather than simply pointing out what is wrong.

When asked why the drivers had not put forward any suggestions, GPDA chairman Alex Wurz told Autosport: "Unless the people in power are recognising the crisis endangering the sport and the business too, we are afraid that even the greatest suggestions will get stuck in the gridlock situation.

"It's the leaders and/or the owners who need to review and restructure.

"Most certainly, if consulted, the GPDA will be helpful for the restructuring process with the purest of intentions, to put the sport first."

Wurz also dismissed theories that the drivers had political motives when releasing their statement.

"The drivers do something very important, which is simply to urge the leaders to lead the sport out of this crisis," he said.

"We are not after their jobs, the GPDA has no ulterior motive.

"We simply want F1 just to be elite and ultra-cool in all aspects."

Ecclestone also questioned if the GPDA statement contained a "misprint" when it said everyone acts with the very best intentions, suggesting it should have been "their very best intentions".

Wurz, who acknowledged the fact the F1 supremo took the time to formally respond to the letter, feels Ecclestone's comments highlight the problems the drivers want to see tackled.

"If 'they' are allowed to act in 'their' best interest and jeopardise the sport by doing so, isn't this the exact error in the system which the drivers' statement points out?" he said.

"It's man-made, so let's hope the leaders can solve it.

"[If not] - that thought is too frustrating to have I am afraid.

"Bernie and Jean [Todt, FIA president] always politely reply to drivers' letters, so we took notice of Bernie's reply and wait to see if other stakeholders or owners of the Formula 1 group will reply to the drivers' statement."